Impact analysis of photovoltaic plants on biodiversity, taking into account the diverse natural conditions of the Austrian landscape

In order to limit the negative consequences of ongoing climate change and global warming to an extent that is likely manageable for mankind, it is necessary to achieve climate neutrality. The nationwide expansion of photovoltaic systems is expected to make a significant contribution to achieving climate neutrality in Austria. Due to the national expansion target for photovoltaic plants, open spaces must also be used for the upcoming expansion. However, the expansion of photovoltaic plants on ecologically sensitive sites can have a significant negative impact on the biodiversity of these habitats. Due to Austria's special bio-geographical situation, both the great diversity of ecosystems and the high proportion of priority or otherwise protected habitats must be taken into account. Despite the fact that habitat deterioration by photovoltaic expansion may already be underway in Austria, potentially accelerating the nationwide loss of biodiversity, there are currently no strategies for Austria to plan and advance this development in a way that is as biodiversity-friendly as possible. Therefore, the aim of this project is to analyze the effects of photovoltaic plants on the biodiversity of different habitats considered for expansion. The project provides essentially fundamental scientific data to make an optimized biodiversity-friendly expansion of photovoltaic systems in open spaces in Austria feasible, and thus optimizes target conflicts between SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Additionally, SDG 7 (Affordable and clean Energy) is addressed by the project. The analyses are based on a survey of experts, which draws on a large part of the Austrian biodiversity community via the Austrian "Biodiversity Network". This approach enables work on a comprehensive question, which has both scientific and practical relevance.